New guy looking to learn.

[Cleanworks]

I agree with DJ, driving,backing,parking a trailer is a pita. You'll want a van with some type of cleaning unit mounted in it. The boxer 421 in the trailer is not a bad unit if it is good shape and can be transferred to a van. The slide in units like the boxer are a good starter unit and can be transferred from van to van, enabling you to start with a used van at a lower cost. A cds (clutch drive system) is a good option if you are working in sketchy areas. You can lock up these vans while the cleaning unit is running, with the slide ins, you can't. Avoid all the cheap, small units utilizing #3 blowers, (roots 33/36, sutorbilt 3lp etc) although they will give you good performance at short hose runs (150ft) if you need to use longer hoses, your performance is limited. 20-25hp minimum. New, something like a Sapphire 370 is a nice way to go. Not the most powerful or expensive but will get the job done. No matter how powerful your cleaning unit, you need a good upright vacuum cleaner and something like a rotary floor machine (175rpm) or better a crb like a brushpro to preagitate the presprayed carpet before you clean. There lot's of guys on this board who will give you their opinions and advice freely like me. Remember, free advice is worth every penny you paid for it. Look around, check your competition, make a plan, set a budget and go for it. You will makes lots of mistakes, so what, if you learn from them, you're money ahead.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Look at the Craigslist's at all the major cities near you. This was on the KC one. Not the best choice for a Newby but a good value.

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/bfs/5398909798.html

 

[Kellie Hiler]

It's to all of our benefit to help out new carpet cleaners, even in our local market. I have been recently helping out a Large department store style cleaning service. Giving advice on basic chemistry, staff training and equipment purchases. Why? He is going to do it anyways (new to the business but taking over an existing opportunity) and I would have him and his employees giving good service for a decent price, rather than doing a hack job and giving our industry a black eye. He won't be able to compete with me and as a benefit, I am also getting work from him that he doesn't feel able to do at present. I often help out local carpet cleaners and even share work with them sometimes. It's better that we all get along, than be at each others throats.

Bingo! Bad cleaners give us good ones a bad name. They scare people away from getting their carpets cleaned. Helping others get started right is a great way of supporting our industry.

 

[Desk Jockey]

https://waterloo.craigslist.org/bfs/5372720049.html

 

[Cleanworks]

Look at the Craigslist's at all the major cities near you. This was on the KC one. Not the best choice for a Newby but a good value.

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/bfs/5398909798.html

That Steamway Mastermatic is difficult to find people to work on the kero burner and it only has a #3 blower. I have 2 of them, one converted to propane, the other one is a work in progress.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

Would a newbie be better off starting out with a heat exchanger machine?

 

[Desk Jockey]

I agree but it's a good price and that burner will help him with the shit holes he is going to run into. Steamway was pretty strong in the Midwest he might still find someone with some knowledge about those units.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Would a newbie be better off starting out with a heat exchanger machine?

Gawwddd he has a "kick me " sign. I was only trying to deliver on his request.

 

[Cleanworks]

unless he's handy with a wrench, he'd be better off with a new machine. I've been busting knuckles for years on my old piles of junk but they keep running. A heat exchange machine would probably be the best but he needs to go to a dealer and have some basic training on it and what kind of problems it can have. Overheating/bypass problems etc. Anything he buys should be checked out by the same dealer. Just like if you buy an old car, get your mechanic to check it out, BEFORE you buy. The alternative is a cds like a Butler/Cleanco/Hydramaster etc. Quicker learning curve.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

Lol! Yeah....I mean, there are people who are doing great with the whole apartment thing but it ain't for me, that's for sure! As for the trailer?! I'd shoot myself before going that route!

 

[Desk Jockey]

Maybe it would be best if he just stayed out of the business.

 

[Cleanworks]

I agree but it's a good price and that burner will help him with the shit holes he is going to run into. Steamway was pretty strong in the Midwest he might still find someone with some knowledge about those units.

I'm trying to resurrect the kero burner on one of my units. I have used them in the past and awesome heat just scares the dirt right of the carpets. I have a sutorbilt legend 3ll blower on it. I was just comparing it to the ss370. That advertises (if I am correct and please correct me if I'm wrong) 315cfm. My 3ll advertises 270 both at 14hg. 45cfm difference, are you going to notice that?

 

[Desk Jockey]

Doubtful you feel a difference. Drying might be but even that can't be huge.

 

[wanabpro]

Maybe it would be best if he just stayed out of the business.

Probably.....

Great info here guys and gals!

I found a butler
2005 Butler System / 2005 GMC 3500

Its not too far from me, asking $16500.. It just says its ready to clean, doesnt mention any tools, ect...

I have much to learn and some hands on before I make any type of purchase. That being said, good deals are hard to pass up.. I just need to learn what a good deal is in this new world they call cleaning...

 

[Russ T.]

https://waterloo.craigslist.org/bfs/5372720049.html

Looks like a pretty good deal!

 

[Russ T.]

It might be worth a call to John Olson at Superior in UT. He sells some VERY clean, used machines.

(877) 644-0077

http://www.superiorcleaningsolutions.com/

 

[wanabpro]

I will give him a call today.

Russ
Any dealers around your area?

 

[Russ T.]

https://www.butlersystem.com/customers-used-truckmounts-39.html

There's an older Butler on there for $7900

 

[Russ T.]

I will give him a call today.

Russ
Any dealers around your area?

The closest places to me are Omaha (Interlink), KC (Full Circle), St. Louis (Jon Don), Minneapolis (??).

 

[wanabpro]

I was doing a broader search. Defiantly some options out there.

Any thoughts on this one?
http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/5441859545.html

 

[Russ T.]

It looks really nice, which is important.

Maybe someone here has experience with the Peak??

Prochem is one of the most respected names in cc equipment.

If it's a Savannah 1500, it'll be a little underpowered but this is Iowa!

It's extended which is nice

 

[wanabpro]

I think it's a 2500 v8. Yea I am beginning to acknowledge the better brands..

$$$$$$$$$$!

 

[Cleanworks]

Probably.....

Great info here guys and gals!

I found a butler
2005 Butler System / 2005 GMC 3500

Its not too far from me, asking $16500.. It just says its ready to clean, doesnt mention any tools, ect...

I have much to learn and some hands on before I make any type of purchase. That being said, good deals are hard to pass up.. I just need to learn what a good deal is in this new world they call cleaning...

When you at the prices on the butler website' this one for 16500 looks like it might be a good deal. All depends on the hours and the miles. If you can get checked out mechanically, I would go for that. If it's in good shape, you should be good for another 10 years with proper maintenance.

 

[Able 1]

I was doing a broader search. Defiantly some options out there.

Any thoughts on this one?
http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/5441859545.html

I would look into this one.. I love my Peak and it is hands down the most problem free units made.. Perfect unit for a guy to start with.. Just make sure the hx'ers arn't broke..

 

[wanabpro]

Just make sure the hx'ers arn't broke..

I have been looking for info on this, could you give me another hint so I can find some info?

 

[Mikey P]

What ever you buy, make sure you can put it in a garage or shop in the winter

 

[Mikey P]

Testing the HX system would need to be done in person. Set the unit up and get it up to temp and start triggering the wand. Let it run for a half hour or more and then check for leaks, everywhere..

 

[Desk Jockey]

If it sits out in the cold any water in the system can freeze and damage major components. If you decide on it, it would be worth have a TM mechanic look it over. Contact 8nterlink in Omaha and see how much they would charge you to check it out.

Any issues I'd want taken off the selling price.

 

[wanabpro]

If it sits out in the cold any water in the system can freeze and damage major components. If you decide on it, it would be worth have a TM mechanic look it over. Contact 8nterlink in Omaha and see how much they would charge you to check it out.

Great info! I was just on their site looking around. I will give both of them a call in the AM and check.

 

[wanabpro]

HX system

Guessing Heat exchange?